preschool

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
(ˌ)prē-ˈskül
Synonyms of preschoolnext
: of, relating to, or constituting the period in a child's life that ordinarily precedes attendance at elementary school

preschool

2 of 2

noun

pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school

Synonyms of preschool

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Noun

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Examples of preschool in a Sentence

Noun children excited about starting preschool
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Teachers and staff from 63 Aurora Public Schools campuses used the resource, including preschool, elementary, middle and high school educators, counselors, therapists and special education staff. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Preparing your child for preschool ahead of time can ease separation anxiety and build their confidence. — Karin A. Bilich, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
These concerns are remarkably consistent, spanning every stage of a student’s educational journey, from preschool through high school. — Jennifer Durocher, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 According to Fuller’s research, no more than a third of parents raising a 3-year-old can find an open slot in any form of preschool in California. — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preschool

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preschool was in 1914

Rhymes for preschool

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Browse Nearby Words

preschedule
preschool
preschooler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preschool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preschool. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preschool

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​school ˈprē-ˌskül How to pronounce preschool (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the period in a child's life to the age of five or six that ordinarily precedes attendance at school

preschool

2 of 2 noun
: a school for children usually younger than those attending elementary school or kindergarten : nursery school

More from Merriam-Webster on preschool

Nglish: Translation of preschool for Spanish Speakers

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